San Diego Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. joins elite company

It has not taken long for San Diego Padres rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. to make an impact on the major league record books.

Just 22 games into his major league career, Fernando Tatis Jr. has established himself as a budding star for the San Diego Padres. After making such a positive impression that Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado lobbied for his inclusion on the Opening Day roster.

Tatis is certainly proving that he belongs. On Sunday, he extended his hitting streak to ten games, joining an impressive list of players to have a hitting streak of at least that length when 20 years old or younger.

That is certainly an impressive list. Mike Trout, Manny Machado, and Bryce Harper have established themselves as three of the best players in the game. Ronald Acuna and Juan Soto were first and second in the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year voting. Ozzie Albies made his first All Star Game last season, and has emerged as a cornerstone for the Braves.

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Tatis is making a case for some accolades of his own this season. Tatis has a solid .291/.360/.595 batting line, hitting six homers and stealing four bases. He currently ranks in the top ten in position player WAR, homers, and steals on the season.

Obviously, there are going to be some growing pains. A few of those are in evidence already, as Tatis has committed three errors at short and been caught stealing twice. He has also struck out 25 times in his 89 plate appearances, a sign that some regression is likely to occur, especially when paired with a .347 batting average on balls in play.

Even with that expected regression, he will still play an important part in the Padres success this season. Tatis has already been moved to the leadoff spot in the lineup, and has displayed the potential to be a dynamic threat in that spot.

Fernando Tatis Jr. appears to be destined for stardom for the San Diego Padres. With his ten game hitting streak, he has already joined some of the top young players in the game today.